Geranium maculatum ‘Espresso’at Digging Dog

Spotted Geranium

Cranesbill

We’re talking about hardy Geraniums, not the better-known, anything-but-subtle Pelargoniums. True Geraniums are sturdy yet refined, with five-petaled flowers borne on dainty stems close to the palmately-divided leaves.

Their spectrum of colors, from cool to electric, is rivaled only by their ability to create soft mounds and flowing carpets of lush foliage in ordinary garden soil. We plant a succession of varieties to always have some in bloom from spring to fall. Our selections are easily grown and will rebloom after flowering if lightly trimmed. Most die back in winter.

Geranium maculatum ‘Espresso’

A superb selection of an Eastern native, this toasty hued Geranium was discovered in the woods of Landenberg, PA. by the astute folks at North Creek Nurseries. Serving up large, bold cafe au latte-colored foliage—5 to 6 in. wide, deeply lobed and held flat—the compact rounded clump maintains its color all season. Myriad 5-petaled lavender-pink flowers are adored by butterflies and later, prominent beaked seeds capsules add interest. ‘Espresso’ is an alluring, yet rugged, low growing ground cover, preferring partial shade with average moisture, and is unfazed by deer, bunnies or other pests, as well as heat, humidity and dry soil.